Sorry guys- I’m still on the PUP list so my writing is limited, but I’ve got to do the basics at least!  In what turned about to be the polar opposite of the Monday night thriller, the Dolphins still found a way to manufacture some points and steal a win.

With just over 100 yards, it was the third worst offensive performance in team history (though Henne did still toss a TD to Joey Haynos).   The defense wasn’t exactly on fire either, allowing Sanchez to post a stellar 100.3 QB rating, and giving up over 100 yards rushing.  What saved the day?  None other than Ted Ginn, Jr., who prior to the game was in the dog house of coaches, former players, and fans alike.  He took not one, but two touchdowns to the house on kickoff returns.  Those coupled with a Jason Taylor fumble recovery for a TD were enough to put the Phins over the top.

Of course, the Jets showed absolutely zero class in a loss, yet again.  Of course they were the “better team”, and had “no idea how they lost.”  That is just utterly pathetic.  We swept you- deal with it.  I guess in New Jersey, special teams isn’t part of the game right?  Anyways, regardless of how the season plays out from here, I am glad we swept those loudmouthed louts- and kept our hope in the division alive.  Thats right, even at 3-4, there is still a sliver of light as all three of our wins are in the AFC East, meaning if we can win a few games we are in a good position to break some ties.

Of course up next, we have another divisional opponent- perhaps the polar opposite of the Jets.  They say as little as possible, and actually show up on the field.  To have any chance of beating them, there are 3 main items the Phins need to address:

1. Do something with the secondary: I know its going to be tough with 2 rookie corners in the starting positions, but you have to play the hand you’re dealt.  The Brady-Moss-Welker trio is one of the deadliest passing combos in the league.  We drafted Sean Smith specifically to match up with tall, fast receivers like Moss- so he really needs to have a good game here.  Moss has struggled with a back injury this season, so hopefully he will be a step slower to give the rookie a fighting chance.  Welker is the toughest match up.  Coming out of the slot, he tends to get lined up on safeties and LBs, and he eats them alive.  Its going to be a tough task to ask this depleted secondary to line up in nickel and dime situations all game long, and they are probably going to have to play above their heads for the Phins to have a chance.
2. Its all about pressure: Of course, one thing that can make this game a bit easier is if the front 7 manages to generate any decent kind of pressure.  The Phins actually rank 6th in the league in sacks, but watching the games it is sometimes hard to believe.  Maybe that is because the defense seems to fade in the second half- they held the Jets to a FG in the first half before ultimately surrendering 25 points, and held the Saints to 10 in the first half before coughing up an additional 22 points (plus 14 on INTs that weren’t their fault).  They need to stay consistent the entire game, and not let the Patriots back in the game if we manage to generate any kind of lead.  The Pats look to be starting a rookie LT, so they really need to abuse and confuse the kid, and get to Brady’s blind side.
3. Get back the offensive mojo: Ever since the second half of the Saints game, it seems like the offense has gone into hiding.  They have only scored 2 TDs, and 1 FG in the last 6 quarters, and that isn’t going to cut it.  Henne has played with a lot of poise for a young QB, but he needs to learn to get rid of the ball.  He has taken 8 sacks in the last 2 games, including a whopping 6 against the Jets.  The good part is that it isn’t a crappy O-line causing them, it is Henne looking to make plays.  It is admirable that he is willing to stand in the pocket and take a hit to get the ball off, but if nothing is there he really needs to dump it off to help with our field position, and avoid injury.  At least he is able to keep his head though, and the sacks and pressure aren’t causing him to toss the ball to the other team.  The run blocking against the Jets was down right depressing though.  On the Monday night game we torched them for 151 yards, but was held to exactly 99 yards less last Sunday.  Surely Belichick will study what Ryan did to slow down the run game, and try to duplicate it.  We have to figure out what the issue was, and how to get around it (personally,  I think the solution is having our WRs finally beat man coverage and make a few catches now and again).

That’s all for tonight everyone.  Enjoy the game tomorrow and lets go Dolphins.